CBCP elated over appointment of Tagle as next archbishop

MANILA, Philippines—Catholic bishops on Friday expressed delight and confidence over the appointment of Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, whom they described as one of the finest theologians in the country, as the next archbishop of Manila.

“We are all happy for his appointment and it is God’s grace to the person of archbishop-elect Tagle because the selection is a tedious process which included among other things the secret scrutiny on the bishops,” Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar told reporters yesterday.

“At the end of it all, he has been found to be the most capable among those contemplated for the position,” said Odchimar, outgoing president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

The prelate described the 54-year-old Tagle as a “deeply religious man” and despite his being young, he was also a prominent figure internationally as a theologian and a speaker.

“His face and voice are familiar to the Vatican [so] he is a blessing to us Filipinos because we Catholics in the Philippines look up to this prime archdiocese also for leadership,” said Odchimar.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez also assured Tagle of his support, saying that the latter was also mentally prepared to face the challenges that would confront him as Manila archbishop.

“We are one with you in your mission as a pastor of the Archdiocese of Manila,” said Iñiguez over Church-run Radio Veritas Friday.

Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes was also confident that the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Manila could do a lot in the fight against the controversial reproductive health bill, which the Catholic Church has continuously opposed.

“He could wield more influence to spread the opposition against the legislation,” said Reyes in Filipino over Radio Veritas.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said the Church with Tagle as Manila archbishop would also have a better relationship with the government.  “This is because he knows the problem of politics in the country and he is also one of the finest theologians [in the country],” he said.